Andorra, the complete guide
A 468 km² microstate in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, belonging neither to the European Union nor to the Schengen Area, yet using the euro. Three ski resorts, a UNESCO-listed valley, the lowest sales tax in Europe, and no airport. Here is everything worth knowing before you come, seek treatment, or settle here.
Getting to Andorra
No airport: the country is reached only by road, from Toulouse or Barcelona. Visas, routes, transfers and realistic journey times.
The seven parishes
Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany, Canillo, Encamp, La Massana, Ordino and Sant Julià de Lòria. Each with its own altitude, character and access.
Living in Andorra
Language, healthcare, schools, services, cost of living and the rhythm of the seasons. What genuinely changes when you live here rather than pass through.
We live here, and we answer within 24 hours.
A stay, a health programme or a relocation project: describe your request and we come back with a costed answer. No obligation.
Andorra in practice
The Principality of Andorra is a parliamentary co-principality whose two heads of state are, by tradition, the President of the French Republic and the Bishop of Urgell. That singular status explains part of its situation: an independent country, outside the European Union and outside the Schengen Area, but using the euro and closely tied to the daily life of its two neighbours.
Geography and altitude
The territory rises from 840 metres at the Riu Runer, on the Spanish border, to 2,942 metres at Coma Pedrosa, the country's highest point. That range of more than two thousand metres across 468 km² explains most of what is on offer: skiing in winter, high trails and lakes in summer, and a dry, sunny mountain climate all year round.
Languages
Catalan is the only official language and remains necessary for administration and Andorran schooling. In daily practice, Spanish, French and Portuguese are very widely spoken, a direct consequence of the population's composition.
Taxation and the IGI
The IGI, the local equivalent of VAT, is set at 4.5% — the lowest rate in Europe. That is what makes shopping an activity in its own right, with a real gap on electronics, perfume, spirits and sports equipment. Note that as Andorra sits outside the European Union, customs allowances apply on the way back, in France as in Spain.
Healthcare
The CASS provides social cover for members, complemented by a dense private network for a country of this size. One point matters for visitors: the European Health Insurance Card is not valid in Andorra, and the S2 form does not apply as it would in a member state. Our health division sets out what that means in practice.
When to come
- December to March — ski season, most reliable snow in January and February
- June to September — hiking, trail running, high lakes and open refuges
- May, October and November — the quietest and least expensive months, ideal for a recovery stay or a health assessment
- All year — thermal spas, shopping and food
What Andorra is not
It is not a beach destination, it is not cheap across the board, and it is not an administrative shortcut where you settle in a few clicks. It is a mountain country, demanding to reach, with precise rules — and that is exactly what keeps it quiet and unspoilt.
An itinerary, a transfer, accommodation?
We arrange transfers from Toulouse and Barcelona and time them to your actual flights. Answer within 24 hours.
Ce qu'on nous demande le plus souvent
Is Andorra part of the European Union?
No. Andorra belongs neither to the European Union nor to the Schengen Area, but it uses the euro. That has concrete consequences for customs allowances and for visitors' health cover.
Is there an airport in Andorra?
No. The country is reached only by road, around two and a half hours from Toulouse-Blagnac or three hours from Barcelona-El Prat.
What language is spoken in Andorra?
Catalan is the only official language. Spanish, French and Portuguese are very widely spoken in daily life.
Is the European Health Insurance Card valid?
No, because Andorra is outside the European Union. Travel insurance covering your stay is strongly recommended.
When is the best time to visit?
December to March for skiing, June to September for the summer mountains. May, October and November are the quietest and least expensive months.
How many parishes does Andorra have?
Seven: Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany, Canillo, Encamp, La Massana, Ordino and Sant Julià de Lòria.
Explore
A question about Andorra? We live here.
A stay, a health programme or a relocation project: describe it and we answer within twenty-four hours, including to tell you it is not the right option.